Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary Plan New Collaborations to Benefit Students and Faculty of Both Institutions

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 9, 2009 – Two neighboring institutions of higher education based in Webster Groves, Mo., announce a new era of collaboration, involving real estate transfer, greater library consolidation and shared athletic facilities. Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary will build on a 40-year history of successful cooperation with what has been known as the Eden Webster Library System.

Under a Memo of Understanding (MOU) recently signed by Eden Theological Seminary President Dr. David M. Greenhaw and Webster University President Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble, Eden will transfer 5.5 of 22 acres and three buildings – the Wehrli Center, Luhr Library and “White House” – to Webster for $5.3 million. With the transfer of Eden’s library building to Webster, Eden’s active library collection will be consolidated and integrated into Webster’s state-of-the-art Emerson Library. Webster will provide library services for Eden students, staff and faculty, who will have full access to Emerson’s extensive library resources.

Webster also will lease Eden’s athletic fields for recreation and intramural athletic activities for seven years. Eden students, faculty and staff will have full access to Webster’s Fitness Center, which contains a wide array of aerobic and circuit weight machines, and free weights, as well as to Webster’s indoor swimming pool.

The move is intended to maximize the use and enjoyment of the two adjoining campuses while meeting each institution’s distinct needs. It will maintain and improve library services for Eden and reduce overhead expense difficult for the smaller school to sustain. It will provide Webster with badly needed space for buildings and increased access to athletic fields.

The MOU also creates a Continuing Collaboration Committee to explore and consider  partnerships involving the development of innovative programs and initiatives, the sharing of expertise, and the coordinated use of space and services.

“This agreement is a winning proposition for both institutions,” said Dr. Stroble and Dr. Greenhaw in a joint statement. “It will allow Eden and Webster to continue to provide education in keeping with our historic core values, as well as to evolve to reflect changes in our student bodies, in the needs of a contemporary global society, and in the explosion of information and knowledge.”

“Webster is excited to be embarking on a re-conceived future of collaboration together with Eden,” said Dr. Stroble. “We are confident it will assure continued access to quality resources, services and facilities for the students and faculty of both institutions.”

“This is an important opportunity to strengthen Eden’s library services and significantly save on operational expense,” said Dr. Greenhaw. “It just is good stewardship of resources to work collaboratively.”

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

Eden Theological Seminary (www.eden.edu), a graduate school affiliated with the United Church of Christ, prepares women and men for lay and ordained Christian ministry. Eden offers four graduate degrees in theology, including Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS), Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), along with a dual degree (M.Div. or MAPS) in conjunction with a Master of Social Work degree from the Washington University George Warren Brown School of Social Work in St. Louis. Founded in 1850, Eden has more than 200 students from approximately 18 denominations.

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